Understanding hypermetropia (long-sightedness): symptoms, causes and treatments

What is hypermetropia?

Hypermetropia, or hyperopia, occurs when the power of the eye is insufficient or the eye is too short, causing light rays to focus behind the retina rather than directly on it. This misalignment results in blurred vision, particularly for objects up close, though it can also affect distance vision if the condition is severe.

This condition is common and can develop at any age. It is particularly noticeable in children, who may have mild hypermetropia that could resolve naturally as their eyes grow longer.

Symptoms of hypermetropia

Individuals with hypermetropia may experience a range of symptoms, especially when focusing on close objects. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Eye strain and discomfort
• Blurred vision, primarily at near distances
• In some cases, squinting or turning of the eye

Symptoms often become more pronounced during activities that involve prolonged close-up work, such as reading or using a computer. Initially, the visual system can compensate for mild hypermetropia, but discomfort and visual problems can arise with extended use.

Diagnosing hypermetropia

A comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist is required to diagnose hypermetropia. The examination will assess the eye's refractive error and determine the appropriate prescription. Key aspects of the prescription for hypermetropia include:

• Sphere (Sph): This figure indicates the strength of the lenses needed to correct the vision, measured in dioptres (D). Positive numbers, such as +1.5D, denote hypermetropia, with larger numbers indicating more severe cases.

Treatment options for hypermetropia

Hypermetropia can be managed effectively with several treatment options, tailored to the severity of the condition and individual preferences.

1. Traditional correction:
• Glasses: Prescription glasses with positive lenses can correct hypermetropia by enhancing the eye's focusing power.
• Contact lenses: Similarly, contact lenses with positive power can improve vision and reduce the strain caused by hypermetropia.
2. Surgical correction:
• Laser eye surgery: Procedures such as LASIK or LASEK can reshape the cornea to correct hypermetropia, improving focus and reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
• Lens replacement surgery: This technique involves removing the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. It is similar to cataract surgery but is used for hypermetropia rather than cataracts.

Find out more about vision correction procedures here.

Choosing the right treatment

Selecting the most suitable treatment option for hypermetropia involves considering various factors such as age, severity of the condition, corneal thickness, and any existing eye conditions. Consulting with an experienced eye surgeon will help determine the best approach based on your specific needs.

Other common refractive errors and how they differ from hypermetropia

While hypermetropia (long-sightedness) allows you to see distant objects more clearly than those up close, there are several other common conditions that influence the way light is focused by the eye:

• Myopia (Short-Sightedness)

  If you have myopia, you’ll find that nearby objects are clear, but those further away appear blurred. This occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea is too steeply curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it.

• Astigmatism

  Astigmatism arises when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, more similar to a rugby ball than a football. This uneven curvature means light is focused at multiple points, leading to blurred or distorted vision at all distances.

• Presbyopia

  Presbyopia is a natural part of ageing, typically becoming noticeable from your mid-40s onwards. As the lens inside the eye gradually stiffens, it becomes more difficult to focus on objects up close, even if you’ve never needed glasses before.

Understanding the Differences

Each of these refractive errors affects your vision in distinct ways:

• Hypermetropia makes close work more challenging, especially without effort to focus.
• Myopia causes distant objects to appear blurred.
• Astigmatism can result in blurring or distortion at any distance.
• Presbyopia impacts near vision as part of the natural ageing process.

At OCL Vision, we’re committed to providing comprehensive eye examinations to accurately diagnose these conditions. Our team will discuss the most suitable treatment options with you, which may include glasses, contact lenses, or advanced laser and lens surgery, always tailored to your individual needs.

Conclusion

Hypermetropia is a manageable condition with effective treatment options available. Whether you opt for glasses, contact lenses, or surgical correction, addressing hypermetropia can significantly improve your quality of life and visual comfort.

If you would like to discuss potential hypermetropia treatment options, please book your free initial consultation.